Osmium (Os): electron configuration, atomic mass and facts
Osmium (Os) is element 76 of the periodic table, a transition metal in period 6, group 8. Its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d6 6s2, with electrons arranged in shells 2, 8, 18, 32, 14, 2, and its standard atomic weight is 190.23 u.
▶ Watch Osmium’s electrons orbit in the interactive periodic tableOsmium at a glance
| Symbol | Os |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 76 |
| Atomic mass | 190.23 u |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Group | 8 |
| Period | 6 |
| Block | d-block |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 4f14 5s2 5p6 5d6 6s2 |
| Noble-gas shorthand | [Xe] 4f14 5d6 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 14, 2 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.2 |
| State at 20 °C | solid |
Where is Osmium on the periodic table?
Osmium is in period 6, group 8, in the d-block. The period number matches its 6 electron shells, and the block names the subshell its last electrons fill. In the same group, Ruthenium sits directly above it and Hassium sits directly below it. Elements in the same column of the d-block often have similar chemistry.
How to work out the electron configuration of Osmium
Put 76 electrons into subshells in order of rising energy, filling each before starting the next: 1s² (2), 2s² (4), 2p⁶ (10), 3s² (12), 3p⁶ (18), 4s² (20), 3d¹⁰ (30), 4p⁶ (36), 5s² (38), 4d¹⁰ (48), 5p⁶ (54), 6s² (56), 4f¹⁴ (70), 5d⁶ (76). In shorthand, [Xe] stands for the 54 electrons of xenon, giving [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶ 6s².
How electronegative is Osmium?
Osmium has a Pauling electronegativity of 2.2, ranking 17 of the 100 elements with a known value (fluorine is highest at 3.98). That is in the middle of the range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of Osmium?
The electron configuration of Osmium (Os) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 4f14 5s2 5p6 5d6 6s2. In noble-gas shorthand it is written [Xe] 4f14 5d6 6s2.
How many electrons does Osmium have in each shell?
Osmium has 76 electrons arranged in shells as 2, 8, 18, 32, 14, 2.
What is the atomic mass of Osmium?
The standard atomic weight of Osmium is 190.23 u, so one mole of Osmium atoms has a mass of about 190.23 g.
Is Osmium a metal?
Yes. Osmium is a transition metal.
Explore nearby elements
More transition metals: Tantalum, Tungsten, Rhenium, Iridium, Platinum, Gold. See all elements on the periodic table.